Why Citizenship By Investment May Be Right For You
I’ve been an expat for more than a decade now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about moving abroad, it’s that no two journeys look alike. Whether you’re an expat, a digital nomad, a remote worker, retired abroad, working a corporate job overseas, or taking a sabbatical — everyone is seeking a similar thing: freedom. But in all the conversations around visas, residencies, and relocating, very few people are talking about Citizenship by Investment, which, to me, is the next level.
When I first left the U.S. over ten years ago, I knew I wanted to live abroad long-term. My journey started in Israel, where I was a graduate student. That experience shaped me profoundly, it wasn’t just about studying; it was about seeing the world differently. And while I studied for my Master’s, I studied to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL & TESOL) which became my ticket to explore Asia. That certification allowed me to live and work across different countries while building small businesses on the side. But like many expats, my immigration status was always tied to my employer. Every year meant another visa renewal, another form, another stamp in my passport that said temporary.
As I evolved from teacher to entrepreneur, I wanted more than just to live abroad , I wanted to belong abroad. For the past 3.5 years, I’ve been based in Belgrade, Serbia, where I built my relocation and lifestyle consulting business. Serbia has become a place I truly love. It’s vibrant, full of opportunity, and surprisingly entrepreneurial. And for those who want to make Serbia their home, after five years of legal residency, you can apply for citizenship. In some cases, individuals can even be granted citizenship through their contribution to the economy or through cultural impact.
That’s when I started thinking: what’s the next level beyond residency?
Understanding Citizenship by Investment
Few people are familiar with traditional immigration pathways — work visas, student visas, residency permits through property ownership or entrepreneurship. And even fewer people are familiar with Citizenship by Investment (CBI or CIP) Program.
By definition, Citizenship by Investment is a legal process that allows individuals to acquire a second citizenship by making a significant contribution to a country’s economy: usually through a government donation or real estate investment. It’s not a loophole. It’s not a shortcut. It’s an established and highly regulated system designed to attract investors, innovators, and global citizens.
The concept isn’t new. The world’s first Citizenship by Investment program was launched in 1984 by St. Kitts and Nevis, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean. Since then, the model has evolved and expanded to countries like St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Dominica, each with its own unique benefits, investment thresholds, and application timelines. Over the years, European and Asian nations have also introduced their own versions — typically in the form of “Golden Visas,” which offer permanent residency with a pathway to citizenship.
In 2025, something historic happened: Sao Tome & Principe launched its first-ever Citizenship by Investment program, the first on the African continent, and I had the incredible opportunity to be on the ground to be the first spokesperson to represent NTL Trust a licensed marketing agent with offices around the world. Being part of that moment awakened something in me — an ambition, a curiosity, a realization that the world of investment migration is not only growing but transforming how people define home, wealth, and security.
Why It Matters Now
The pandemic changed how we see the world. It blurred the lines between where we live, work, and belong. For many professionals, families, and entrepreneurs, one passport is no longer enough. We’re in a new era, one where mobility is wealth and citizenship is strategy.
For families, this can mean unlocking access to global education. Imagine giving your children the ability to study in the U.S., the UK, or Europe, not as international students paying triple tuition, but as citizens of a partner nation. For entrepreneurs, it means expanding business operations in new markets, opening international bank accounts, and traveling visa-free to over 150 countries. And for those who simply value security, a second passport is the ultimate Plan B, an insurance policy against uncertainty.
As someone who has lived abroad for 11 years, I know the peace of mind that comes with having options. I’ve built a life in different parts of the world — from Asia to Europe to now the Caribbean — and with every move, I’ve realized how powerful it is to have the flexibility to choose where and how you live.
My Journey to the Caribbean
Over the past several months, my work has taken me through the Caribbean, from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, to Grenada, and now St. Lucia. Each island has its own unique character and energy, but they all share one thing: a forward-thinking approach to global citizenship.
Here, Citizenship by Investment isn’t just about acquiring a passport; it’s about contributing to the local economy and supporting sustainable development. Through real estate investments, government donations, or bond options, investors are helping to fund national growth while gaining access to one of the most powerful assets in the world a second nationality.
During my visit with NTL Trust, one of the leading firms in the citizenship and residency planning industry, I saw firsthand how personalized and secure the process can be when done with the right team. NTL Trust has been at the forefront of this industry for decades, guiding clients through every stage — from selecting the right program to completing documentation and due diligence. Their mission aligns deeply with mine: helping people enhance their wealth, secure their lifestyle, and embrace a truly global existence.
What Citizenship by Investment Can Offer
For investors, entrepreneurs, and even families, CBI is about more than just mobility — it’s about freedom of choice.
Here are some key benefits:
Visa-free travel: Many CBI programs provide access to 140+ countries, including the Schengen Zone and the UK.
Tax efficiency: Some countries offer favorable tax regimes for investors and entrepreneurs.
Education & healthcare access: A second citizenship can unlock better opportunities for your family.
Business expansion: It can open doors for trade, banking, and investment diversification.
Security & legacy: A second passport can serve as a long-term asset you pass down to future generations.
And honestly, I think the biggest flex you can give your children isn’t just wealth or real estate , it’s mobility. It’s giving them the freedom to choose where they want to live, learn, and build their futures.
Looking Ahead: Blair and Beyond
As I evolve my brand from Blair and Belgrade to Blair and Beyond, this new chapter represents my own transformation, from being an expat and relocation consultant to becoming a spokeswoman and advocate for investment migration. This partnership with NTL Trust is more than professional; it’s personal.
Citizenship by Investment is not for everyone — it requires due diligence, financial commitment, and thoughtful consideration. But for those ready to elevate their global lifestyle, it’s one of the most strategic moves you can make. Whether you’re looking to expand your business footprint, secure a safety net, or simply live life without borders, CBI might be the next step in your journey.
